In Re Estate of Lowrie

Michael Robert Bassin, Encino, for Objector and Appellant.

Law Offices of Philip Kaufler and Philip Kaufler, for Petitioner and Respondent.

Certified For Partial Publication. [*]

ALDRICH, J.

In this case, a granddaughter accuses her uncle of financial abuse, isolation, and neglect constituting elder abuse of her grandmother.

In the published sections of this opinion (sections I, II, IIIA, and IV) we hold that the granddaughter has standing to bring this elder abuse civil lawsuit. (Welf. & Inst.Code, § 15657, subd. (d).) In unpublished portions of this opinion (sections IIIB, IIIC, IIID, IIIE, and IIIF) we hold there is substantial evidence to support the findings of elder abuse, there is substantial evidence to support the damages awarded, and there is no procedural impediment to the imposition of punitive damages.

Laura Marie Lowrie (decedent) had three children, all of whom are still living: Norma Goodreau, Alan Lowrie, and appellant Sheldon Lawrence Lowrie (Sheldon). Decedent had six grandchildren, including respondent Lynelle Goodreau (Lynelle) who was the eldest daughter of Norma Goodreau. [1]

Decedent's husband died in 1986, leaving to decedent gold coins, cash in…